A homicide investigation has been launched in Northland after the "suspicious" death of a man found crashed in a paddock just north of Kaikohe on Monday night.
A man was found in a serious condition in the vehicle, which was on farm land off Imms Rd in Ōkaihau, at about 8:25pm.
Tragically, and despite efforts from emergency services, the man died at the scene.
Police have now revealed they are undertaking a homicide investigation after determining foul play may be involved. They have described the death as "suspicious", and are now carrying out a post-mortem and a scene examination.
Once all the formal identification procedures are completed, the police will ensure the man's family have been notified before releasing the man's name publicly.
"Police now have a number of enquiries to make and encourage anyone with information to come forward to police by visiting their local station or by calling 105 quoting file number 210928/6273 or Operation Canoe," said Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland Police.
"We know this will be upsetting to our Far North community but please be assured that we have a team of detectives working quickly to establish the circumstances of what has occurred and identify and locate the person or persons responsible so they can be held to account."
Police are supporting the deceased man's family alongside Victim Support.
